CoffeeWORKS
Best when fresh CoffeeWORKS is Thailand's leading coffee shop roaster delivering to over 500 outlets throughout the country. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Ben Weaver After working in the U.S. coffee and cola industries during their university days, high school friends Dale Lee and Andrew Stotz decided to launch their own specialty coffee roasting factory in Thailand back in 1995. The plan was to capitalise on the country's booming cafe culture and their company, CoffeeWORKS, was born. Today it is one of the leading fresh coffee roasters in Thailand, as well as a leading importer of espresso equipment and supplier of barista training and consulting services to respected global food and beverage brands operating in the country. The business has performed brilliantly and I'd be absolutely amazed if you haven't enjoyed various CoffeeWORKS roasts and blends at one of the hundreds of coffee shops or hotels it supplies. "For the past few years – and currently too – we have been maintaining 30 percent year-on- year growth," says Lee. "In our hotel channel alone this year we are growing 50 percent year-on-year. In spite of this growth, truly good and authentic Italian standard espresso based coffee drinks have hardly been embraced by the wider population in Thailand." When CoffeeWORKS began in 1995, per capita consumption in Thailand was 500-grams, with 85 percent of that going to instant coffee. Per capita consumption has since increased to 800-grams, but the ratio of instant and fresh coffee is still the same, with fresh coffee only earning 15 percent of…
Assunta Hospital
The heart and art of care Assunta Hospital, a pioneering private healthcare provider in Malaysia and the first private hospital in the Klang Valley, is backed by a legacy of caring and dedicated healthcare delivery. Writer Ian Armitage & Chan Li Jin Project manager Eddie Clinton Malaysia is often referred to as the "Asian Dragon" and its healthcare system boasts of high-end hospitals that provide excellent services. The industry – divided into private and public healthcare – has undergone huge transformation since the country's independence in 1957 and the government is committed to improving the system, having already achieved universal coverage for the population. Governmental sources describe the sector as "a major resource which is critical to the success of the nation's socioeconomic status". Among the country's first tier medical provides is Assunta Hospital, a pioneering private healthcare provider with a sound history of providing "quality and affordable healthcare for all". A History of Delivery A look through the history books shows that Assunta, based in Petaling Jaya, a satellite city developed in 1952 to ease the problem of overpopulation in Kuala Lumpur, has always been committed to delivering dedicated healthcare across all levels of society. Assunta started small. What would later become the hospital opened its doors soon after Petaling Jaya's birth. It was established by four Franciscan Missionaries of Mary nuns and was originally a small clinic named Ave Maria, serving the healthcare needs of the underprivileged. Through public donations, the little clinic soon expanded to include a maternity home and convent. By 1957,…
Pan Asia Logistics
Pan Asia Logistics targets Asia growth Asia Outlook profiles Pan Asia Logistics, a preferred air and ocean freight forwarder and logistics partner for many top brands in the East Asian market. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell Pan Asia Logistics (PAL) is a preferred air and ocean freight forwarder and logistics partner for many top brands in the East Asian market. It is a "holistic logistics provider", offering a "complete range" of fully integrated logistics services and supply chain solutions" which are efficient, intelligent and cost-effective. "We have been active in the market for ten years and specialise in air and ocean freight, contract logistics and project logistics for infrastructural projects in Southeast Asia," says founder and majority shareholder Christian Bischoff. "We also have a number of complementary addedvalue services such as customs clearance and storage, distribution management, supply and inventory management, dangerous goods and waste logistics and so on and provide supply chain management as a 3PL and 4PL provider." PAL, he says, "provides highly efficient concepts" which are designed to "optimise" customers' supply chains and "drive value for their businesses." The approach is paying off. The rapidly growing firm recorded a turnover of nearly 100 million euros in 2012 and has over 45 offices in Asia and various agents around the world, all staffed to the highest professional standards. PAL's offices in Asia are linked to this global network and continue to expand living by the mantra, "we go where our customers are". "We started with six people in 2003 and we now…
Cardno BEC
Into Asia: Cardno seeks expansion Asia is undergoing a period of unprecedented economic growth and this represents huge opportunity says Bruce Johnson, Area Manager/ Manager New Projects, Cardno BEC. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell Africa is undergoing a period of unprecedented economic growth and is increasingly catching the attention of foreign investors, who have contributed to a rapid increase in capital expenditure. In fact, it's nothing new - foreign direct investment in Africa has been on the rise since the early 2000s, increasing fivefold in 2000-2010. It is the real deal and the continent's economic outlook for 2013 and 2014 is promising, confirming its healthy resilience to internal and external shocks and its role as a growth pole in an ailing global economy. Africa's economy is projected to grow by 4.8 percent in 2013 and accelerate further to 5.3 percent in 2014. "Now is the time for Africa," says Bruce Johnson, Area Manager/ Manager New Projects, Cardno BEC, the head of project development, service and business development within the Cardno BEC engineering team. "We agree that Africa's potential is huge; there are fantastic opportunities in Africa. Its large reserves of undeveloped mineral resources are in demand and in that there is opportunity." Cardno BEC is part of Brisbane based environmental and engineering consulting services company Cardno Limited. Cardno, with its large project history in Africa, strong infrastructure capabilities, and prior experience working with government policy makers around the world, is uniquely positioned to provide the services to help Africa fulfil its potential, says Johnson.…
APECO
Power Success Asia Outlook profiles Asia Projects Engineering Pte Ltd, a company primarily engaged in plant engineering work and maintenance. With over 40 years of experience, it has worked with some of the biggest names in the power, petrochemical, oil & gas, and utilities industry and has become one of Southeast Asia's most trusted engineering companies. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Sheridan Halls Tuas Power, YTL PowerSeraya, Singapore District Cooling, Alstom Power, Keppel Infrastructure, Senoko Energy, Babcock-Hitachi, Pfizer Asia Pacific, SembCorp Industries, Siemens, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding. What do all these names have in common? They've all worked with one of Southeast Asia's most trusted engineering companies, Asia Projects Engineering. Also known as APECO, the firm has over 40 years of experience, says Managing Director Mr. ML Heng, in providing "integrated solutions and services in engineering, including design, engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction and maintenance." He says the firm's staff has "decades of experience", paired with "extreme efficiency" and professionalism. "You know you're in safe hands," Mr Heng explains. APECO specialises in the power, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, utility, infrastructure and oil & gas industries and has been steadily and substantially growing as a business thanks to a focus on reliable quality and high standards. In 2009, it enjoyed record turnover, completing successful projects with the likes of SembGas, Senoko Energy and Singapore District Cooling. Although turnover has dipped slightly since, Mr Heng still expects the firm to achieve over S$80 million this year. "In 2009 we achieved our highest turnover at $83 million, completing several…
Lian Beng Construction
Dare to dream It pays to dream big. And dream big is what Lian Beng has done. Within the first four months of 2013, it has secured six construction projects worth about S$750 million, taking its orderbook to record highs. Construction Director Jeffrey Teo tells us more. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell In 1978, Ong Pang Aik joined his father to help run the family business. At the time, the company, Lian Beng, was a civil engineering sub-contractor. Mr Ong wanted more. He wanted to expand. It was his dream and a lot can be said for the power of the dream – he helped grow Lian Beng from a subcontractor that took on small-scale civil engineering a to a Building and Construction Authority Grade A1 main contractor, and subsequently to an SGX-listed company with close to $250 million in market capitalisation and an annual turnover of close to $450 million . Today Lian Beng's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lian Beng Construction, is the chief revenue driver. While it has gone into property development and continues to grow along the value chain into other construction support services such as ready mixed concrete, construction equipment and machinery leasing and engineering works, they are a secondary focus. "While we have ventured into property development and other fields, construction remains our group's main business, forming more than 75 percent of our turnover," Mr Ong said in a recent interview. Notable on-going construction projects include Thomson Grand, developed by the Cheung Kong Group from Hong Kong, Waterfront Isles, developed by…
McDonald’s Thailand : They’re Loving It
APAC Outlook talks to Hester Chew, Chairman of Executive Committee and CEO of McThai, the sole McDonald’s franchisee in Thailand.
Bibby Ship Management
Bibby Ship Management opens two new offices Liverpool-based Bibby Ship Management recently announced the opening of two new offices in Singapore and India, bringing the total number of global locations to six. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell UK-based Bibby Ship Management Ltd, part of the Bibby Line Group, provides "a quality assured comprehensive technical management service to the International Marine Industry" its website says. The firm can trace its roots back to more than 200 years. "In a highly competitive environment a dedication to quality brings economic advantages," its website says, adding, "Our adherence to the Quality Management System means that we prioritise the long term interests of our clients. This means acting with foresight and integrity, especially in our primary role as providers of a personalised Ship Management Service. These principles have brought success to several sectors within the Marine Industry, namely but not limited to: Oil, Chemical and Gas Tanker Management; General Cargo ships; Ro-Ro Vessels; Ferries; Cable Layers; Offshore Vessels; Floating Production Storage and Offloading; Floating Storage Unit; Jack Up Rigs; and Floating Accommodation vessels." In early 2013 Bibby Ship Management was "delighted to announce" the opening of two new offices in "key strategic locations across the globe" – Singapore and India. The opening of those new locations brought the total number of global Bibby Ship Management locations to six, ensuring the company is "ideally placed to service the needs of its customers worldwide", it said in a press release. Bibby Ship Management's new office in India is situated in Mumbai.…
Deugro
Continued expansion in Asia for deugro Asia Outlook talks to Sven Hergemoeller, deugro's Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell Founded in Germany in 1924, the deugro Group is one of the world's leading project freight forwarding companies and has completed complicated turnkey logistics contracts on almost every continent. deugro is historically known for project logistics, specialising in turnkey projects and complicated cargo moves to and from major industrial sectors. It is also active in international freight services such as sea freight and airfreight. "We are a global leader in our niche of project logistics and freight forwarding," says Sven Hergemoeller, deugro's Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia. "deugro is a truly global presence but significantly we remain a privately held, family organisation in the third generation. We are highly specialised offering a diversified portfolio of services to a variety of clients located in every corner of the globe. Our company slogan is "Minds over Matter" and our strength and competitive advantage lies in our people – they are our most valuable resource. This, and close working relationships with our clients, distinguishes us from our competitors and provides a platform for future growth, flexibility and superior service." He says deugro takes "the best minds to make the right moves." "Our philosophy is to get the best people in the industry. Our people really do make the difference." deugro has enjoyed substantial growth over the last year and it aims to continue to expand its core business in existing and new…
Alfa Tech VestAsia
Invest in SE Asia Asia Outlook talks to Zach Wilson, the Managing Director of Alfa Tech VestAsia, and learns more about the company's growth in Southeast Asia. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell When Zach Wilson set about establishing Alfa Tech VestAsia he was regularly told he was "wasting his time" and "didn't stand a chance". For a while it looked as though the critics were right. Despite successfully entering the market in 2007 - thanks to long time partner Ultratech who needed help in setting up its own operations in Singapore - it was several months before the next contract was signed. "Moving to a new market is difficult," says Wilson, Managing Director of Singapore-based Alfa Tech VestAsia (ATVA). "It is even more difficult when that market is a mature market. We built this business from scratch and carving out a niche wasn't easy. After we finished the Ultratech job we didn't have any concrete opportunities. Eventually we won several prospects and we haven't looked back." ATVA is today renowned for an almost unrelenting focus on customer service and delivery. Wilson says, "It is like a restaurant, if you go somewhere and have bad service and terrible food, which is late and cold, you don't go back. And you certainly don't tip. We want to make sure people come back and tip!" The result is a brand that even its biggest competitors envy. "There is great potential here," Wilson says. "Despite the global downturn Asia-Pacific economies continue to grow and as international businesses -…
Lian Beng Construction
Dare to dream It pays to dream big. And dream big is what Lian Beng has done. Within the first four months of 2013, it has secured six construction projects worth about S$750 million, taking its orderbook to record highs. Construction Director Jeffrey Teo tells us more. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell In 1978, Ong Pang Aik joined his father to help run the family business. At the time, the company, Lian Beng, was a civil engineering sub-contractor. Mr Ong wanted more. He wanted to expand. It was his dream and a lot can be said for the power of the dream – he helped grow Lian Beng from a subcontractor that took on small-scale civil engineering a to a Building and Construction Authority Grade A1 main contractor, and subsequently to an SGX-listed company with close to $250 million in market capitalisation and an annual turnover of close to $450 million . Today Lian Beng's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lian Beng Construction, is the chief revenue driver. While it has gone into property development and continues to grow along the value chain into other construction support services such as ready mixed concrete, construction equipment and machinery leasing and engineering works, they are a secondary focus. "While we have ventured into property development and other fields, construction remains our group's main business, forming more than 75 percent of our turnover," Mr Ong said in a recent interview. Notable on-going construction projects include Thomson Grand, developed by the Cheung Kong Group from Hong Kong, Waterfront Isles, developed by…
Deugro
Continued expansion in Asia for deugro Asia Outlook talks to Sven Hergemoeller, deugro's Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell Founded in Germany in 1924, the deugro Group is one of the world's leading project freight forwarding companies and has completed complicated turnkey logistics contracts on almost every continent. deugro is historically known for project logistics, specialising in turnkey projects and complicated cargo moves to and from major industrial sectors. It is also active in international freight services such as sea freight and airfreight. "We are a global leader in our niche of project logistics and freight forwarding," says Sven Hergemoeller, deugro's Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia. "deugro is a truly global presence but significantly we remain a privately held, family organisation in the third generation. We are highly specialised offering a diversified portfolio of services to a variety of clients located in every corner of the globe. Our company slogan is "Minds over Matter" and our strength and competitive advantage lies in our people – they are our most valuable resource. This, and close working relationships with our clients, distinguishes us from our competitors and provides a platform for future growth, flexibility and superior service." He says deugro takes "the best minds to make the right moves." "Our philosophy is to get the best people in the industry. Our people really do make the difference." deugro has enjoyed substantial growth over the last year and it aims to continue to expand its core business in existing and new…